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Celtics, Nuggets, Cavs, Lakers Eye Key Roster Changes

6/28/2026

47 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Celtics Pursue Trade

The Denver Nuggets will keep Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones and may sign Jordan Clarkson.
The Cleveland Cavaliers may trade Max Strus, who has one year at $19 million left after 12 games.
The Boston Celtics are weighing a Jaylen Brown trade and want at least four first-round picks from Western clubs.
The Los Angeles Lakers may give Mitchell Robinson a long-term contract near the $15.1 million mid-level exception despite ankle problems.

Summary

76ers Evaluate Trades

The 76ers must decide by June 29 on Barlow, Watford and Terry.
Using $15.0 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception would cap Sixers at $209 million and lose $4.2 million Jared McCain trade exception.
The NBA 2026-27 system includes a $165 million cap, $201 million taxpayer threshold, $209 million first apron and $222 million second apron.
Memphis is below the cap while Oklahoma City and Cleveland are over second apron.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement created a mid-level salary exception worth roughly $5.5 million, which the Miami Heat used to sign Shaquille O’Neal. The exception has risen each CBA cycle, reaching $15.0 million for the 2026-27 season, prompting teams such as the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics to reshape rosters around the larger cap space.

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Celtics Pursue Trade

The Denver Nuggets will keep Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones and may sign Jordan Clarkson.
The Cleveland Cavaliers may trade Max Strus, who has one year at $19 million left after 12 games.
The Boston Celtics are weighing a Jaylen Brown trade and want at least four first-round picks from Western clubs.
The Los Angeles Lakers may give Mitchell Robinson a long-term contract near the $15.1 million mid-level exception despite ankle problems.

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